THE PREMIER CONFERENCE ON BIOPOLYMERS AND BIOBASED CHEMICALS
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PRESENTERS*.
You will hear from some of the top biopolymer and biobased chemical thought leaders from Europe and the rest of the globe. Our speakers
& panelists come from diverse companies and backgrounds in order to assure a well-balanced programme that truly addresses the entire
value chain.We are pleased to announce our speakers.
Marcel Arsand, Project Manager, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) - UK
Marcel manages WRAP research on plastic films, including market analysis, UK reprocessing capacity and trials with new
technologies. He is also responsible for the technical support to the On-Pack Recycling Label scheme and provides
technical advice for recycle on the go projects.
Prior joining WRAP, Marcel worked for Recoup, a UK non-for-profit plastic advisory organization where he managed
various projects across the plastic supply chain, including the UK Household Plastics Packaging Collection Survey report
(2009 and 2010); market review for the introduction of non-bottle rigid plastic packaging collection schemes; market
assessment for MBT process plastic outputs; rPET procurement for food grade application; part of a consortium to engineer and
manufacture medium to high value products using mixed polymer recyclate (under the FP7 framework) as well as supporting the delivery
of several recycle on the go initiatives.
Marcel is a bioscientist with a MSc in Integrated Waste Management and a MSc by Research in anaerobic digestion treatment, both from
Cranfield University, UK.
Dr. David Bailey, Science-to-Business Center Eco², Creavis Technologies & Innovation, Evonik
Industries AG - GERMANY
After completing his Ph.D. in chemistry at Simon Fraser University in Canada Dr. Bailey moved to Jacobs University
Bremen, Germany for his post-doctoral studies. Following his post-doctoral fellowship Dr. Bailey stayed in Bremen joining
Voith Engineering Services as a team leader working in close cooperation with Airbus on a variety of projects. David is
now a project manager for the Creavis Technologies & Innovation Science-to-Business Center within Evonik Industries
AG. For Evonik, Dr. Bailey is heading several varied projects with a primary goal in all of them being the reduction of CO2
emissions and improved sustainability for Evonik and its products.
Rodrigo Belloli, Marketing & Market Intelligence, Renewable Chemicals, Braskem S.A. - BRAZIL
Rodrigo Belloli is manager of Marketing and Market Intelligence for Renewable Chemicals in Braskem. Based in São
Paulo, Rodrigo helps Braskem to build a solid strategy for the green chemicals business through long-term vision,
strategic business management, planned communication and strong relationship with the stakeholders. Rodrigo is a
chemical engineer with 10 years experience in the plastics business and has been dedicated to strategic marketing in the
petrochemical business for the last 6 years. Since 2010, Rodrigo has been focusing his efforts on sugarcane based
biopolymers and has spoken for on behalf of Braskem during many green materials forums.
Christiaan Bolck, Program Manager Materials, Wageningen UR - Food & Biobased Research -
NETHERLANDS
Christiaan Bolck, has 13 years of experience in product and market development regarding materials and products from
biobased resources. As programme manager biobased materials within the applied research institute Food and Biobased
Research, he is currently responsible for the research and development activities at Wageningen University and Research
centres in the field of biobased materials, such as bioplastics, paper, pulp, and building materials. He is director of the
Biobased Performance Materials programme and is heading the Biobased Materials workpackage for the topsector
Chemistry and Biobased Economy. In addition, he is currently a member of the “Ad hoc advisory committee Biobased
Products” within the lead markets initiative of the European commission (since 2008), Advisory Board lectorate polymer technology at the
hogeschool Windesheim (since 2008), member of the advisory committee on (green) taxation scheme of packaging waste (since 2008),
Consultant Biopolymers at the Dutch Polymer Institute value Centre (since 2007), and Consultant “governmental policy on the biobased
economy” for the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (since 2004).
Mike Bruscino, Manager, Licensing, Scientific Design Company, Inc. - USA
Currently Licensing Manager for Scientific Design, Company (SD) responsible for the sales and marketing of SD’s
technologies and products used within the petrochemical industry. Previously was Technical Director for SD’s EO catalyst
and worked with the R&D, Product Development, Technology groups in the development of new products and provided
sales and marketing services for the commercialization of these products along with technical service to clients.
Massimo Centemero, Technical Director, CIC - ITALY
Since 1991 to 2004 works as technician at Working Group on Composting and Integrated Waste Management in Scuola
Agraria del Parco di Monza. Since 2001 co-ordinator of Technical Committee of Italian Composting Association
(Consorzio Italiano Compostatori). Since 2005 Technical Director of Italian Composting Association. Since 2006 Member
of the Fertilisers Technical Commission in Agriculture Minister. Since 2011 member of Technical Committee of Italian
Bioplastic Association.
Basically he works with recycling of biowaste and compost utilisation in agriculture, following experimental trials of
compost production and application. He has carried out studies on fertilisers production in different ranges: growing media for nurseries,
soil improvers for field crops and landscaping, organic fertilisers for horticulture. He is the responsible of Compost Certification Label and
Compostable Certification Label. Author of many technical and scientifically papers.
Dr. Wantanee Chongkum, Director of Innovation Culture Promotion Department, Thailand’s National
Innovation Agency - THAILAND
Dr. Wantanee Chongkum is the Director of Innovation Culture Promotion Department in Thailand’s National Innovation
Agency. With PhD in Chemistry from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, she has more than 20-year experience in
government support programs for Technology and Innovation Development for Thai industry in order to enhance the
nation competitiveness. According to her national and international networks with industry and research communities, she
has been assigned to develop and manage the National Bioplastics Roadmap for driving Thailand to be the regional
Bioplastics Hub. She sits in the National Bioplastics Industry Development Sub-Committee and the Policy Committee of
the Cassava and Cassava Products Research Center , Suranaree University of Technology.
François de Bie, Global Marketing Director, Purac - NETHERLANDS
François de Bie is Marketing Director PLA and bioplastic building blocks at Purac, always committed to bring maximum
value to those Purac business partners that have an interest to enter the fast growing bioplastics market. François holds a
Master of Science degree in polymer technology from Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands. Before
joining Purac François worked at EconCore, Sabic and GE Plastics where he was responsible for business leadership,
marketing and sales. Successful introductions of new business concepts, new technologies and new plastics in a range of
industries, include Consumer Electronics, Packaging, Automotive and Aerospace are my key area of expertise. With
EconCore François won the European Bioplastics Award in 2010.
Dr. Francesco Degli Innocenti, ECOPEC - Ecologia dei prodotti e Comunicazione Ambientale, (Ecology of
Products and Environmental Communication), NOVAMONT S.p.A. - ITALY
Francesco Degli-Innocenti born in Florence (Italy, 1955) is Ecology of Products and Environmental Communication 
manager in Novamont (Novara, Italy).
The group deals with sustainability of bioplastics; biodegradability, ecotoxicity, LCA, regulatory and certification, food
contact, safety issues, Corporate Social Responsibility, etc.
FDI is also personally involved in standardisation at ISO, CEN, ASTM, UNI. In 2008 FDI was appointed by the European
Commission DG Enterprise as an expert in the ad-hoc advisory group created for the implementation of the Lead Market Initiative for bio-
based products where he served as Chairman of the Standardisation working group. He is member of the European Bioplastics Board.
He is biologist (University of Florence). Main professional experiences:
•
1982-1984: Max-Planck fellowship at Max-Planck Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany.
•
1984-1988: Fermentation Group Supervisor at the Biotechnology Development Centre at SCLAVO (Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals
– today: Novartis), Siena, Italy
•
1988-1991: Group-Leader of the Laboratory of Industrial Microbi-ology at the Biotechnology Research Centre for Agriculture,
AGRIMONT located in Massa-Carrara, Italy.
•
1991: Environmental Affairs in NOVAMONT, located in Novara, Italy.
Dirk den Ouden, Director New Business Development, Avantium - NETHERLANDS
Dirk den Ouden is Director New Business Development at Avantium and works on the commercialization of Avantium’s
YXY (~icksy) platform – green building blocks for innovative materials. Dirk holds a Master of Science degree in
Biomedical Engineering from Eindhoven Technical University, the Netherlands. Before joining Avantium, Dirk worked at
Fortis Corporate Finance and Capital Markets, where he advised biotech and cleantech companies on IPOs, private
placements and M&A transactions.
Bruno De Wilde, Laboratory Manager, Organic Waste Systems (OWS) - BELGIUM
Bruno De Wilde is the Laboratory Manager of Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in Ghent, Belgium for whom he has worked
for more than 20 years already.
In this capacity, he manages biodegradation, composting and digestion tests, supervising a team of almost 40 people.
Bruno De Wilde has authored or co-authored about 30 scientific articles. Besides he is an active participant of several ISO
and CEN working groups in this field and each year gives about 20 presentations on this topic at international conferences
and company workshops.
He took his MSc in Agricultural Engineering at the State University of Ghent in 1983, spent another year in the Laboratory of Microbial
Ecology and then worked in an R&D project on making energy from biomass though biogasification in Indonesia for 4 years prior to joining
Organic Waste Systems.
Stefano Facco, New Business Development Director, Novamont SpA - ITALY
Stefano Facco is New Business Development Director of Novamont SpA as well as the managing director of the German
subsidiary of Novamont, which is based in Eschborn. He has held this position since 1997, following six years as Product
Development Manager for Montedison Deutschland, where he worked on the market introduction of biofuels and
biopolymers. Earlier, he had worked there on liquid crystal polymers for electronic applications like PCB and speciality
fibres for EMI shielding. The first stages of his career were interspersed with two stints at the Italian Chamber of
Commerce in Germany, as consultant for EDP and marketing issues and lately as Managing Director.
He was for over a decade member of the board and co-founder of EuBP, the European Bioplastics Association and former
member of the Din “biodegradable polymers” working group.
Stefano Facco was born in Hong Kong 1963, went to High School in Germany and Austria, has a background in economics.
Senatore Francesco Ferrante, XIII Commissione Ambiente, Territorio, Beni ambientali, Responsabile politiche
cambiamenti climatici ed energia Pd, Esecutivo nazionale Associazione Ecologisti Democratici -
ITALY
Francesco Ferrante is born in Palermo on the 23rd March 1961.
On April 28th of 2006 he is elected Member of the Senate for the Ulivo coalition
In June he becomes the Senate’s 13th permanent Commission (Environment, Territory, Environment Heritages).
He has collaborated to various editorial initiatives on environmental issues such as the "Guide for the Ecological
Consumer" written in 1992 together with Roberto Della Seta (Longanesi Editions)
He has realised several reports and studies on environmental issues like : "The Chemical Industry in Italy"; "Pesticides in Agriculture and
Residues in Food"; "Urban Air Pollution"; "Seas Pollution"; "Rivers Pollution"; "Hydrogeological Upheaval"; "The Minor Cultural Heritage in
Italy".
He is the author of several articles on environmental politics published on major national newspapers and magazines, such as La Nuova
Ecologia, Il Sole 24 Ore, Il Manifesto, L’Unità; La Stampa, Europa.
He has held training courses for managers of multinational companies, a lecture at the University of Trieste on the theme "Enabling
consensus on environmental issues : the OGM case", a seminary at the University of Urbino on the theme "Working in the non profit
sector".
Greg Ganczewski, Polish Packaging Research & Development Centre, Packaging and Environment Department -
POLAND
Greg Ganczewski, MA is a specialist in Packaging and Environment department of Packaging Research and
Development Centre since June 2005. He is managing several European projects concerning biodegradable packaging
and is active in the packaging Life Cycle Assessment field. He also produced several marketing related studies
concerning biodegradable packaging, from both the producers and end consumers perspective.
Dr. Karlheinz Hausmann, Research and Technology Fellow with DuPont de Nemours International Sàrl -
GERMANY
Dr Karlheinz Hausmann, Research and Technology Fellow with DuPont de Nemours International Sàrl is holding a
doctoral degree in Material Science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland and
has more than 22 years of experience in ethylene copolymers. He joined DuPont in 1987 and has been in a number of
R&D and Technical Development assignments including packaging and automotive applications. Currently he is part of
the P&IP Technical Organisation in Meyrin near Geneva, Switzerland and specialist for polymer modification and
compatibilisation. He is leading the technical developments on Ionomer Resins, Modifiers at DuPont Packaging and
Industrial Polymers in Europe and has the function of Global Sustainability technology Leader for DuPont’s Packaging
and Industrial Polymers Business Unit.
Verena Jost, Department of Materials Development, Fraunhofer Institute, Process Engineering & Packaging IVV -
GERMANY
Verena Jost studied Food Science at the Technical University of Munich. She performed her diploma thesis in the area of
polymer science. Structural information of polymers was studied with Raman-Spectroscopy. Since 2008 she is working at
the Fraunhofer IVV in the Department of Materials Development, first in the field of material testing, then as scientist
within the research area of ‘sustainable packaging materials for food’. Verena Jost is involved in project work as well as
preparing new project proposals. Within the projects new materials are developed and produced but also characterised at
the IVV.
Jim Kleinschmit, Director, IATP’s Rural Communities Program - USA
Jim Kleinschmit is the Director of IATP’s Rural Communities Program, which works with farmers, rural community leaders
and policymakers to promote sustainable rural development strategies, projects and policies. Jim grew up on his family's
farm in Nebraska, and first came to IATP in 1995. Since that time, he has worked on a wide array of issues associated
with sustainable agriculture, rural community development and the “bioeconomy,” which includes biofuels, biomaterials
and local food systems.
Within the bioeconomy, the Rural Communities Program focuses on greening the entire value chain and assuring that
family farmers and local communities benefit from this sector. Specific work includes establishing policies and market
mechanisms – such as the Working Landscapes Certificates Program – that reinforce the need for sustainable agricultural systems as the
“foundation” for the bioeconomy.
Jim has a M.A. from the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington-Seattle, and a B.A. from St. Olaf College
in Northfield, Minnesota. In addition to his work at IATP, he is also Co-Chair of the steering committee of the Sustainable Biomaterials
Collaborative and on the board of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and Peace Coffee.
Dr. Walter Lopez, Marketing Executive, Limagrain Cereales Ingredients - FRANCE
Walter studied biology at the University of Clermont Ferrand (France) and received his Ph.D on collaboration with
Limagrain group.
Since 1997, he held a multitude of research and technology, innovation, sales and marketing functions in Limagrain
Cereales Ingredients, before becoming marketing manager in charge of Biolice, the first biodegradable plastic made from
maize flour.
Maira Magnani, Advanced Materials & Processes, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering Europe -
GERMANY
Maira Magnani has joined Ford Research Center Aachen in 2000 after completing her studies in Production
Engineers in the Federal University of Sao Carlos and getting her master-degree in Environmental Management at
the University of Sao Paulo. Since then she has worked in different topics such as recycling concepts and
technologies for alternative powertrain vehicles. Currently, working in the Advanced Materials and Processes team,
her focus in on the research, development and implementation of bio-based materials in Ford European vehicles.
Dr. Mario Malinconico, Italian Representative at IUPAC, Research Director, Institute on Polymer
Chemistry and Technology, (ICTP-CNR), Coordinator Technical Committee, Assobioplastiche - ITALY
Graduated in Industrial Chemistry at University of Naples.
Head of the Laboratory of Polymer Synthesis and Chemical Modification of Polymers
2011 Appointed as President of the Technical-Scientific Committee of the Italian ASSOBIOPLASTICHE Association
2010 Appointed as Italian Representative at IUPAC
2007 Nominated as one of the two Eligible Directors of Institute on Polymer Chemistry and Technology (ICTP-CNR)
2005 Appointed as Research Director at ICTP
2004 Winner of one of the 3 “St. Andrews Prize's for the Environment” for his studies on biodegradable mulchings
2003 Coordinator of the LIFE Environment Project "Bio.Co.Agri" (Biodegradable Coverages for Sustainable Agriculture) .
2002 Coordinator of The Commission for Environment and Cultural Heritage of the Italian Association of Science and Technology of
Macromolecules (AIM)
2000 Responsible of the Research activity for the ICTP in the frame of an European GROWTH Project on Bioplastics
1979-1981 appointed as Research Assistant at University of Liverpool, Dept. of Inorganic, Physical and Industrial Chemistry.
•
Regularly invited as lecturer at the Cursos de Verano of Universitat des Andes, Colombia.
•
Expert in Polymer Synthesis, chemical modification of natural and synthetic polymers, polymer recycling, calorimetry, viscometry,
extrusion and molding of plastic materials.
•
Author of 160 papers on internationally reviewed journals, of 15 patents and of many chapters in international books and
handbooks.
•
Reviewer of Polymer for Advanced Technologies and of Polymer Degradation and Stabilit
Dr. Marco Meneghetti, Laboratory & Bioplastics Product Manager, API (Applicazioni Plastiche
Industriali) Spa - Vicenza - ITALY
Api Applicazioni Plastiche Industriali Spa - Vicenza - (Italy)
Dic. 2005 - Present
Education
Padova University (Italy)
Industrial Chemistry (1997)
Experience
Plant Manager at HI-FITT Spa – Vicenza (Italy)
Plastic - high pressure hoses
Sep. 2004 - Nov. 2005
Quality and Environmental Manager at API Spa – Vicenza (Italy)
Plastic - thermoplastic compounds
Sep. 2002 - Aug. 2004
Technical & Quality Manager at FILK Spa – Vicenza (Italy)
Engineering - gold chains
Oct. 2000 - Aug. 2002
Laboratory Manager at ORV Spa – Padova (Italy)
Textile - fiber and nonwoven
Mar. 1997 - Sep. 2000
Dr. Samuel Mugo, Assistant Professor (Chemistry), Grant MacEwan University - CANADA
Dr. Samuel Mugo graduated with a PhD in analytical chemistry from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada in
2006. He took a two year NSERC postdoctoral position at Queens University (2007-2008) where his focus was
development of microfluidic mass spectrometry platforms for clinical diagnosis. Samuel has been at Grant MacEwan
University from July 2008. Other than teaching courses in analytical chemistry, he is active in engaging students in his
research; including chemoenzymatic synthesis of value added products especially waxes and biopolymers from plant oils
as well as developing analytical processes for environmental and food contaminants analysis. As a young prolific
researcher, Dr. Mugo has up to 16 key articles dispersed in different journals including: Rapid communications in mass
spectrometry, Journal of molecular catalysis B, Journal of Lipids, Journal of mass spectrometry, Journal of Analytical Chemistry and
several conference proceedings. He has filed two patents in the last 2 years. He has also presented widely in Chemistry and
Biotechnology conferences.
David Newman, Direttore, CIC (Consorzio Italiano Compostatori) - ITALY
Education: First Class Honours in Modern History and Economics (Manchester University, 1977)
Current Employment:
Managing Director of the Italian Composting Association (C.I.C.) since 1999.
Director of the ATIA-ISWA ITALY in Italy since 2002.
General Secretary of the Italian Association of Bioplastics since 2011
Vice President of the ISWA International Board since 2010
External Advisor ROUTES project financed by the EU, since 2011
Member of the Scientific Committee of the Rimini Fair, Ecomondo since 1999.
Prizes and Awards:
Sardinia Region, Peace Prize 1996
Piedmonte Regione, Premio Zolfanello, 1996
Comune of Subiaco, Environmental Prize, 1997
Province of Terni, San Valentino Prize, 1997
ISWA Membership Awards 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009.
ISWA Publication Award, 2nd Place, 2004
Fredric Petit, Director Sustainability, DSM Engineering Plastics - NETHERLANDS
Fredric Petit has over 18 years of experience with DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Science company. He is the
Director Sustainability.
for DSM Engineering Plastics, a global player in (bio-based) polyamides and polyesters serving the electrical and
electronics, automotive, engineering and packaging industries. Before this role, Mr. Petit was the Global Business
Director and General Product Manager for the (co-) polyester product lines Arnitel TPC and Arnite PET & PBT.
When joining DSM, Mr. Petit started as Business Development Manager Stanyl Polyamide 46 with DSM Fibre Intermediates who produce
caprolactam and acrylonitrile, which are raw materials for synthetic fibers and plastics.
Mr. Petit holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands and has completed several business
programs at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switserland.
Stefano Rossi, Life Cycle Engineering - ITALY
Biography to come.
Dr. Anna Salerno, Graz University of Technology, Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical
Engineering - AUSTRIA
Since 2010, Anna Salerno is active as senior researcher at Graz University of Technology, Institute of Biotechnology and
Biochemical Engineering in the area of “White Biotechnology”.
Her research focuses on cost-efficient production of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from waste materials. Here,
process development encompasses the upstream processing of raw materials, strain selection, improvement of fermentation technology
and downstream processing. The ultimate research target is a cost-efficient production of biopolymers by providing research results to
industry for design of a manufacturing plant. At the moment, Anna Salerno is mainly involved in the ANIMPOL project, dealing with PHA
production from animal-derived waste streams.
Dr. Carsten Sinkel, Advanced Materials & Systems Research – Biopolymers, BASF - GERMANY
Carsten Sinkel is polymer chemist by training and obtained his PhD at the University of Marburg (Germany) in 2010. He
has joined the Biopolymer Research Group of BASF SE in the same year and is stationed at the company’s headquarter
in Ludwigshafen (Germany). There he is part of the team working on the BASF biodegradable polyester Ecoflex® and the
biodegradable compound family Ecovio®.
Marco Versari, Presidente, ASSOBIOPLASTICHE - ITALY
Marco Versari is an agronomist and he spent most of his career in the area of agriculturefor non food purposes.
Member of the Scientific Committee of the International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels ISAF in 1991, he has a deep
experience in the use of renewable resources for fuels and materials.
Marco joined Novamont in year 1995 and today is Strategic Marketing Manager devoting most of his energies and time to
accreditate bioplastics with stakeholders and opinion makers both at Italian and international level.
He is President of the Italian Bioplastic Association and Vice – President of the Romanian Bioplastic Association.
Since year 2007 he is member of the Board of the Italian Composting Association. Since year 2010 he is Vice – Chairman of the “bio-
based & biodegradable product group” in Plastic Europe
David Webber, Senior Partner and Advisor, PA Europe – Strategy Consulting and Public Affairs -
BELGIUM
David Webber is currently the Senior Partner of PA Europe – a Brussels based public affairs, strategic communication and
lobbying agency. PA Europe is part of the PA group of companies with offices in Europe, Japan, US, Russia, Asia and
Middle East. In his function he is also responsible for the media and political relations of the EU Brussels office, bringing
him in to daily contact with policy-makers and other stakeholders on a wide variety of issues. Experienced with over 15
years of consultancy and client relationship management he has a sound knowledge and understanding of the processes of public affairs
(monitoring, information analysis, strategic input, policy development and lobbying) as well as a developed knowledge of the European
institutions, decision-making process and European policies.
Dr. John Williams, Head of Materials for Energy & Industry, NNFCC - UK
John is the NNFCC’s sector manager responsible for bio-derived polymers, composites and fibres including renewable
construction materials. He is responsible for identifying, developing and helping to commercialise market opportunities in
the materials markets.
Another important part of John’s remit is the interaction of renewable materials at the end of life, and how these materials
can be exploited in recycling and recovery operations, which includes the measurement of bio-based carbon and
translation of its importance to the whole of supply chain, as well as advising policy makers and standardisation bodies.
John is a Polymer Chemist, with 20 years technical experience in working with SMEs and multinationals in polymer applications. He is
experience in identifying market opportunities and technical gaps in polymers and materials from non-fossil carbon.
*Programme and speakers subject to change.
manager in Novamont (Novara, Italy).
The group deals with sustainability of bioplastics; biodegradability, ecotoxicity, LCA, regulatory and certification, food
contact, safety issues, Corporate Social Responsibility, etc.
FDI is also personally involved in standardisation at ISO, CEN, ASTM, UNI. In 2008 FDI was appointed by the European
Commission DG Enterprise as an expert in the ad-hoc advisory group created for the implementation of the Lead Market Initiative for bio-
based products where he served as Chairman of the Standardisation working group. He is member of the European Bioplastics Board.
He is biologist (University of Florence). Main professional experiences:
•
1982-1984: Max-Planck fellowship at Max-Planck Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany.
•
1984-1988: Fermentation Group Supervisor at the Biotechnology Development Centre at SCLAVO (Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals
– today: Novartis), Siena, Italy
•
1988-1991: Group-Leader of the Laboratory of Industrial Microbi-ology at the Biotechnology Research Centre for Agriculture,
AGRIMONT located in Massa-Carrara, Italy.
•
1991: Environmental Affairs in NOVAMONT, located in Novara, Italy.
Dirk den Ouden, Director New Business Development, Avantium - NETHERLANDS
Dirk den Ouden is Director New Business Development at Avantium and works on the commercialization of Avantium’s
YXY (~icksy) platform – green building blocks for innovative materials. Dirk holds a Master of Science degree in
Biomedical Engineering from Eindhoven Technical University, the Netherlands. Before joining Avantium, Dirk worked at
Fortis Corporate Finance and Capital Markets, where he advised biotech and cleantech companies on IPOs, private
placements and M&A transactions.
Bruno De Wilde, Laboratory Manager, Organic Waste Systems (OWS) - BELGIUM
Bruno De Wilde is the Laboratory Manager of Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in Ghent, Belgium for whom he has worked
for more than 20 years already.
In this capacity, he manages biodegradation, composting and digestion tests, supervising a team of almost 40 people.
Bruno De Wilde has authored or co-authored about 30 scientific articles. Besides he is an active participant of several ISO
and CEN working groups in this field and each year gives about 20 presentations on this topic at international conferences
and company workshops.
He took his MSc in Agricultural Engineering at the State University of Ghent in 1983, spent another year in the Laboratory of Microbial
Ecology and then worked in an R&D project on making energy from biomass though biogasification in Indonesia for 4 years prior to joining
Organic Waste Systems.
Stefano Facco, New Business Development Director, Novamont SpA - ITALY
Stefano Facco is New Business Development Director of Novamont SpA as well as the managing director of the German
subsidiary of Novamont, which is based in Eschborn. He has held this position since 1997, following six years as Product
Development Manager for Montedison Deutschland, where he worked on the market introduction of biofuels and
biopolymers. Earlier, he had worked there on liquid crystal polymers for electronic applications like PCB and speciality
fibres for EMI shielding. The first stages of his career were interspersed with two stints at the Italian Chamber of
Commerce in Germany, as consultant for EDP and marketing issues and lately as Managing Director.
He was for over a decade member of the board and co-founder of EuBP, the European Bioplastics Association and former
member of the Din “biodegradable polymers” working group.
Stefano Facco was born in Hong Kong 1963, went to High School in Germany and Austria, has a background in economics.
Senatore Francesco Ferrante, XIII Commissione Ambiente, Territorio, Beni ambientali, Responsabile politiche
cambiamenti climatici ed energia Pd, Esecutivo nazionale Associazione Ecologisti Democratici -
ITALY
Francesco Ferrante is born in Palermo on the 23rd March 1961.
On April 28th of 2006 he is elected Member of the Senate for the Ulivo coalition
In June he becomes the Senate’s 13th permanent Commission (Environment, Territory, Environment Heritages).
He has collaborated to various editorial initiatives on environmental issues such as the "Guide for the Ecological
Consumer" written in 1992 together with Roberto Della Seta (Longanesi Editions)
He has realised several reports and studies on environmental issues like : "The Chemical Industry in Italy"; "Pesticides in Agriculture and
Residues in Food"; "Urban Air Pollution"; "Seas Pollution"; "Rivers Pollution"; "Hydrogeological Upheaval"; "The Minor Cultural Heritage in
Italy".
He is the author of several articles on environmental politics published on major national newspapers and magazines, such as La Nuova
Ecologia, Il Sole 24 Ore, Il Manifesto, L’Unità; La Stampa, Europa.
He has held training courses for managers of multinational companies, a lecture at the University of Trieste on the theme "Enabling
consensus on environmental issues : the OGM case", a seminary at the University of Urbino on the theme "Working in the non profit
sector".
Greg Ganczewski, Polish Packaging Research & Development Centre, Packaging and Environment Department -
POLAND
Greg Ganczewski, MA is a specialist in Packaging and Environment department of Packaging Research and
Development Centre since June 2005. He is managing several European projects concerning biodegradable packaging
and is active in the packaging Life Cycle Assessment field. He also produced several marketing related studies
concerning biodegradable packaging, from both the producers and end consumers perspective.
Dr. Karlheinz Hausmann, Research and Technology Fellow with DuPont de Nemours International Sàrl -
GERMANY
Dr Karlheinz Hausmann, Research and Technology Fellow with DuPont de Nemours International Sàrl is holding a
doctoral degree in Material Science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland and
has more than 22 years of experience in ethylene copolymers. He joined DuPont in 1987 and has been in a number of
R&D and Technical Development assignments including packaging and automotive applications. Currently he is part of
the P&IP Technical Organisation in Meyrin near Geneva, Switzerland and specialist for polymer modification and
compatibilisation. He is leading the technical developments on Ionomer Resins, Modifiers at DuPont Packaging and
Industrial Polymers in Europe and has the function of Global Sustainability technology Leader for DuPont’s Packaging
and Industrial Polymers Business Unit.
Verena Jost, Department of Materials Development, Fraunhofer Institute, Process Engineering & Packaging IVV -
GERMANY
Verena Jost studied Food Science at the Technical University of Munich. She performed her diploma thesis in the area of
polymer science. Structural information of polymers was studied with Raman-Spectroscopy. Since 2008 she is working at
the Fraunhofer IVV in the Department of Materials Development, first in the field of material testing, then as scientist
within the research area of ‘sustainable packaging materials for food’. Verena Jost is involved in project work as well as
preparing new project proposals. Within the projects new materials are developed and produced but also characterised at
the IVV.
Jim Kleinschmit, Director, IATP’s Rural Communities Program - USA
Jim Kleinschmit is the Director of IATP’s Rural Communities Program, which works with farmers, rural community leaders
and policymakers to promote sustainable rural development strategies, projects and policies. Jim grew up on his family's
farm in Nebraska, and first came to IATP in 1995. Since that time, he has worked on a wide array of issues associated
with sustainable agriculture, rural community development and the “bioeconomy,” which includes biofuels, biomaterials
and local food systems.
Within the bioeconomy, the Rural Communities Program focuses on greening the entire value chain and assuring that
family farmers and local communities benefit from this sector. Specific work includes establishing policies and market
mechanisms – such as the Working Landscapes Certificates Program – that reinforce the need for sustainable agricultural systems as the
“foundation” for the bioeconomy.
Jim has a M.A. from the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington-Seattle, and a B.A. from St. Olaf College
in Northfield, Minnesota. In addition to his work at IATP, he is also Co-Chair of the steering committee of the Sustainable Biomaterials
Collaborative and on the board of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and Peace Coffee.
Dr. Walter Lopez, Marketing Executive, Limagrain Cereales Ingredients - FRANCE
Walter studied biology at the University of Clermont Ferrand (France) and received his Ph.D on collaboration with
Limagrain group.
Since 1997, he held a multitude of research and technology, innovation, sales and marketing functions in Limagrain
Cereales Ingredients, before becoming marketing manager in charge of Biolice, the first biodegradable plastic made from
maize flour.
Maira Magnani, Advanced Materials & Processes, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering Europe -
GERMANY
Maira Magnani has joined Ford Research Center Aachen in 2000 after completing her studies in Production
Engineers in the Federal University of Sao Carlos and getting her master-degree in Environmental Management at
the University of Sao Paulo. Since then she has worked in different topics such as recycling concepts and
technologies for alternative powertrain vehicles. Currently, working in the Advanced Materials and Processes team,
her focus in on the research, development and implementation of bio-based materials in Ford European vehicles.
Dr. Mario Malinconico, Italian Representative at IUPAC, Research Director, Institute on Polymer
Chemistry and Technology, (ICTP-CNR), Coordinator Technical Committee, Assobioplastiche - ITALY
Graduated in Industrial Chemistry at University of Naples.
Head of the Laboratory of Polymer Synthesis and Chemical Modification of Polymers
2011 Appointed as President of the Technical-Scientific Committee of the Italian ASSOBIOPLASTICHE Association
2010 Appointed as Italian Representative at IUPAC
2007 Nominated as one of the two Eligible Directors of Institute on Polymer Chemistry and Technology (ICTP-CNR)
2005 Appointed as Research Director at ICTP
2004 Winner of one of the 3 “St. Andrews Prize's for the Environment” for his studies on biodegradable mulchings
2003 Coordinator of the LIFE Environment Project "Bio.Co.Agri" (Biodegradable Coverages for Sustainable Agriculture) .
2002 Coordinator of The Commission for Environment and Cultural Heritage of the Italian Association of Science and Technology of
Macromolecules (AIM)
2000 Responsible of the Research activity for the ICTP in the frame of an European GROWTH Project on Bioplastics
1979-1981 appointed as Research Assistant at University of Liverpool, Dept. of Inorganic, Physical and Industrial Chemistry.
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Regularly invited as lecturer at the Cursos de Verano of Universitat des Andes, Colombia.
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Expert in Polymer Synthesis, chemical modification of natural and synthetic polymers, polymer recycling, calorimetry, viscometry,
extrusion and molding of plastic materials.
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Author of 160 papers on internationally reviewed journals, of 15 patents and of many chapters in international books and
handbooks.
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Reviewer of Polymer for Advanced Technologies and of Polymer Degradation and Stabilit
Dr. Marco Meneghetti, Laboratory & Bioplastics Product Manager, API (Applicazioni Plastiche
Industriali) Spa - Vicenza - ITALY
Api Applicazioni Plastiche Industriali Spa - Vicenza - (Italy)
Dic. 2005 - Present
Education
Padova University (Italy)
Industrial Chemistry (1997)
Experience
Plant Manager at HI-FITT Spa – Vicenza (Italy)
Plastic - high pressure hoses
Sep. 2004 - Nov. 2005
Quality and Environmental Manager at API Spa – Vicenza (Italy)
Plastic - thermoplastic compounds
Sep. 2002 - Aug. 2004
Technical & Quality Manager at FILK Spa – Vicenza (Italy)
Engineering - gold chains
Oct. 2000 - Aug. 2002
Laboratory Manager at ORV Spa – Padova (Italy)
Textile - fiber and nonwoven
Mar. 1997 - Sep. 2000
Dr. Samuel Mugo, Assistant Professor (Chemistry), Grant MacEwan University - CANADA
Dr. Samuel Mugo graduated with a PhD in analytical chemistry from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada in
2006. He took a two year NSERC postdoctoral position at Queens University (2007-2008) where his focus was
development of microfluidic mass spectrometry platforms for clinical diagnosis. Samuel has been at Grant MacEwan
University from July 2008. Other than teaching courses in analytical chemistry, he is active in engaging students in his
research; including chemoenzymatic synthesis of value added products especially waxes and biopolymers from plant oils
as well as developing analytical processes for environmental and food contaminants analysis. As a young prolific
researcher, Dr. Mugo has up to 16 key articles dispersed in different journals including: Rapid communications in mass
spectrometry, Journal of molecular catalysis B, Journal of Lipids, Journal of mass spectrometry, Journal of Analytical Chemistry and
several conference proceedings. He has filed two patents in the last 2 years. He has also presented widely in Chemistry and
Biotechnology conferences.
David Newman, Direttore, CIC (Consorzio Italiano Compostatori) - ITALY
Education: First Class Honours in Modern History and Economics (Manchester University, 1977)
Current Employment:
Managing Director of the Italian Composting Association (C.I.C.) since 1999.
Director of the ATIA-ISWA ITALY in Italy since 2002.
General Secretary of the Italian Association of Bioplastics since 2011
Vice President of the ISWA International Board since 2010
External Advisor ROUTES project financed by the EU, since 2011
Member of the Scientific Committee of the Rimini Fair, Ecomondo since 1999.
Prizes and Awards:
Sardinia Region, Peace Prize 1996
Piedmonte Regione, Premio Zolfanello, 1996
Comune of Subiaco, Environmental Prize, 1997
Province of Terni, San Valentino Prize, 1997
ISWA Membership Awards 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009.
ISWA Publication Award, 2nd Place, 2004
Fredric Petit, Director Sustainability, DSM Engineering Plastics - NETHERLANDS
Fredric Petit has over 18 years of experience with DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Science company. He is the
Director Sustainability.
for DSM Engineering Plastics, a global player in (bio-based) polyamides and polyesters serving the electrical and
electronics, automotive, engineering and packaging industries. Before this role, Mr. Petit was the Global Business
Director and General Product Manager for the (co-) polyester product lines Arnitel TPC and Arnite PET & PBT.
When joining DSM, Mr. Petit started as Business Development Manager Stanyl Polyamide 46 with DSM Fibre Intermediates who produce
caprolactam and acrylonitrile, which are raw materials for synthetic fibers and plastics.
Mr. Petit holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands and has completed several business
programs at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switserland.
Stefano Rossi, Life Cycle Engineering - ITALY
Biography to come.
Dr. Anna Salerno, Graz University of Technology, Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical
Engineering - AUSTRIA
Since 2010, Anna Salerno is active as senior researcher at Graz University of Technology, Institute of Biotechnology and
Biochemical Engineering in the area of “White Biotechnology”.
Her research focuses on cost-efficient production of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from waste materials. Here,
process development encompasses the upstream processing of raw materials, strain selection, improvement of fermentation technology
and downstream processing. The ultimate research target is a cost-efficient production of biopolymers by providing research results to
industry for design of a manufacturing plant. At the moment, Anna Salerno is mainly involved in the ANIMPOL project, dealing with PHA
production from animal-derived waste streams.
Dr. Carsten Sinkel, Advanced Materials & Systems Research – Biopolymers, BASF - GERMANY
Carsten Sinkel is polymer chemist by training and obtained his PhD at the University of Marburg (Germany) in 2010. He
has joined the Biopolymer Research Group of BASF SE in the same year and is stationed at the company’s headquarter
in Ludwigshafen (Germany). There he is part of the team working on the BASF biodegradable polyester Ecoflex® and the
biodegradable compound family Ecovio®.
Marco Versari, Presidente, ASSOBIOPLASTICHE - ITALY
Marco Versari is an agronomist and he spent most of his career in the area of agriculturefor non food purposes.
Member of the Scientific Committee of the International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels ISAF in 1991, he has a deep
experience in the use of renewable resources for fuels and materials.
Marco joined Novamont in year 1995 and today is Strategic Marketing Manager devoting most of his energies and time to
accreditate bioplastics with stakeholders and opinion makers both at Italian and international level.
He is President of the Italian Bioplastic Association and Vice – President of the Romanian Bioplastic Association.
Since year 2007 he is member of the Board of the Italian Composting Association. Since year 2010 he is Vice – Chairman of the “bio-
based & biodegradable product group” in Plastic Europe
David Webber, Senior Partner and Advisor, PA Europe – Strategy Consulting and Public Affairs -
BELGIUM
David Webber is currently the Senior Partner of PA Europe – a Brussels based public affairs, strategic communication and
lobbying agency. PA Europe is part of the PA group of companies with offices in Europe, Japan, US, Russia, Asia and
Middle East. In his function he is also responsible for the media and political relations of the EU Brussels office, bringing
him in to daily contact with policy-makers and other stakeholders on a wide variety of issues. Experienced with over 15
years of consultancy and client relationship management he has a sound knowledge and understanding of the processes of public affairs
(monitoring, information analysis, strategic input, policy development and lobbying) as well as a developed knowledge of the European
institutions, decision-making process and European policies.
Dr. John Williams, Head of Materials for Energy & Industry, NNFCC - UK
John is the NNFCC’s sector manager responsible for bio-derived polymers, composites and fibres including renewable
construction materials. He is responsible for identifying, developing and helping to commercialise market opportunities in
the materials markets.
Another important part of John’s remit is the interaction of renewable materials at the end of life, and how these materials
can be exploited in recycling and recovery operations, which includes the measurement of bio-based carbon and
translation of its importance to the whole of supply chain, as well as advising policy makers and standardisation bodies.
John is a Polymer Chemist, with 20 years technical experience in working with SMEs and multinationals in polymer applications. He is
experience in identifying market opportunities and technical gaps in polymers and materials from non-fossil carbon.
*Programme and speakers subject to change.
